Public Statements

Ross Supports Energy Independence and Job Creation

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (FL-15) issued the below statement in support of H.R. 3, the "Northern Route Approval Act." This bill waives the requirement that the president must approve the northern portion of the Keystone XL Pipeline that would run from the Canadian border to Steele City, Neb.

The entire Keystone XL Pipeline will transport crude oil from Canada and shale oil produced in North Dakota and Minnesota through Nebraska and down to the Gulf refineries. The President rejected the application for the permit on January 8, 2013, even though he previously spoke in favor of it and Secretary Clinton indicated the administration would support it. Removing the Presidential requirement essentially approves the construction of the pipeline at the border; the states involved have already given their approvals.

"President Obama has purposely held up the production of this pipeline which will create tens of thousands of new jobs and bring in $7 billion in investment to the U.S.," said Ross. "There is no reason for this delay. I believe in expanding domestic production by increasing North American energy independence, and I support this bill."

Background:

* Rep. Ross is a cosponsor of H.R. 3.

* According to the Department of Energy, Keystone XL would be able to move up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day. This represents about half the amount the U.S. imports from the Middle East.

* The State Department has issued 15,500 pages in its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review of the project over the last four-and-a-half years.